High Court Delivers Verdict in Rigathi Gachagua Impeachment Case

The High Court has delivered its ruling on the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, rejecting efforts to delay the proceedings and proceeding with a decision that could have significant legal and political consequences.

The three-judge bench, comprising Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Murima and Freda Mugambi, dismissed attempts to halt the case and moved ahead with its verdict. The ruling comes at the centre of a dispute over the constitutional process that led to Gachagua’s removal from office and the benefits he may still be entitled to receive.

Gachagua was removed from office in October 2024, becoming the first deputy president in Kenya’s history to be impeached under the Constitution. The National Assembly had brought 11 charges against him, including allegations of violating constitutional integrity provisions, corruption and gross misconduct. Although the Senate upheld only five of the charges, they were sufficient to secure his removal.

The upheld charges included allegations of ethnic incitement, interference with judicial independence and public criticism of the National Intelligence Service.

While Gachagua initially sought reinstatement, he later shifted his legal challenge towards financial compensation and the restoration of benefits linked to his former position. 

He is seeking more than Sh80 million in compensation, pension benefits and the return of state privileges such as security protection and diplomatic passports.

The case has unfolded alongside major political developments. 

On the day of the ruling, Gachagua hosted opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa at his Karen residence, highlighting his growing role within the United Opposition coalition. The coalition, which aims to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, continues to face questions over leadership and the selection of a presidential candidate. 

Gachagua has presented himself as a leading contender, pointing to his support base in the Mt Kenya region and his ability to mobilise opposition supporters. However, recent opinion polls indicate that his position is not secure. One survey placed him behind Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i in national popularity, raising questions about whether strong regional support alone would be enough to secure the coalition’s nomination. 

Other opposition figures, including Martha Karua, have urged a data-driven approach to candidate selection and cautioned against early leadership disputes that could weaken the alliance.